Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan and next-generation GLA crossover ride on camera

A disguised prototype of the next four-door and a test mule of the new SUV are being road tested in southern Europe.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan and station wagon have recently been restyled: the company introduced a refreshed four- and five-door in January of this year. During the update, they received a branded radiator grille of the previous shape with a pattern in the form of small three-beam stars, a different front bumper with modified air intakes, LED optics with a different line of daytime running lights. The Germans refreshed the profile with new original rims, and the stern with a different pattern of the rear lights.

new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan

Mercedes-Benz is currently working on the creation of the third generation CLA. The development is currently at the stage of testing on public roads: this is confirmed by photographs of a disguised prototype sedan, which was driven on camera during testing in southern Europe. The images were shared with us by the Spanish publication Motor.es.

There is no information about the appearance of the future novelty yet: the prototype is very carefully disguised with the help of both camouflage film and distracting overlays. However, the photographer still managed to peep one important element: we are talking about the exhaust system pipe, which is located next to the integrated towbar. As suggested in the publication, this indicates that the model will have a version with an internal combustion engine (probably as part of a hybrid installation), although it was previously assumed that the third generation CLA will only have an all-electric technique.

Note that the current version has a rechargeable hybrid — CLA 250 e. The total output of its power plant is 218 hp. (450 Nm). It is based on a 1.3-liter gasoline turbo engine that produces 163 hp. and 270 Nm, it works in tandem with a 109-horsepower electric motor, the maximum torque of which is 300 Nm. This version has an electric-only range of 82 km.

Pictured: crossover test mule Mercedes-Benz GLA new generation

Another German manufacturer is developing the next generation Mercedes-Benz GLA. So far, on public roads, the company is only running a test mule, which is visually indistinguishable from the current version of the crossover. These pictures were also shared with us by colleagues from Motor.es.

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The photographer noticed an additional element near the front axle of the third generation GLA test mule. It is noted that this is a lithium-ion battery, which will be part of a hybrid HEV installation, developed jointly with the Chinese holding Geely. At the same time, according to the publication, the current PHEV version (the system is similar to the one that was equipped with the CLA 250 e) will disappear from the range of the next GLA (as well as diesel engines).

The third generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to be introduced next year, while the debut of the new generation GLA compact crossover will have to wait until the first half of 2025. By the way, the current GLA and GLB SUVs, which survived the update, were presented quite recently, in March of this year.